NPR News Now — October 18, 2025, 2AM EDT

Brief Overview:
This five-minute NPR News Now episode, hosted by Dale Willman, delivers key updates on U.S. foreign policy developments, environmental policy setbacks, disaster relief in Alaska, political turmoil in New York GOP circles, shifting dynamics at the Egypt-Gaza border, and MLB playoff highlights.

Key News Topics & Discussion Points

1. Diplomatic Moves: Trump, Zelenskyy, and Putin

[00:17–01:23]

• President Trump’s Call with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy:
  Trump reported the call as “very interesting and cordial.” The conversation comes ahead of an anticipated in-person meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• Push to End the Ukraine War:
  Trump claims ongoing efforts and momentum to broker a peace deal, referencing his recent mediation of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
  • Quote (Trump):

    “The war in the Middle East was far more complicated. We got that one done and I think we have a good chance. I think President Zelensky wants it done and I think President Putin want it done.” [00:48]

• UMissiles Discussion:
  Trump had considered offering Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine but reportedly reconsidered after speaking with Putin. No decision has been finalized.
• Upcoming Summit:
  Trump plans to meet with Putin in Hungary within the next two weeks.

2. Disaster in Alaska: Flooding and Historic Rescue

[01:23–02:14]

• Severe Coastal Village Flooding:
  Floods, driven by typhoon remnants, have forced about 2,000 Alaskans from their homes. Some may be unable to return for 18 months.
• Record Airlift Rescues:
  The event marked the largest airlift operation in Alaska’s history.
  • Memorable Moment – Coast Guard Rescue:
    Coast Guard Petty Officer Teddy Kirsch recounted his first rescue:

    “The first person I ever hoisted in the basket was a woman and her baby... I will never forget the feeling of holding that baby while that woman was getting out of the basket... That was something I will never forget.” [01:52]

3. Climate Policy Setback: Shipping Emissions Deal Delayed

[02:14–03:11]

• Global Shipping Emissions Agreement Postponed:
  After a decade of negotiations by the International Maritime Organization, a deal to enforce emissions rules on cargo shipping has been delayed at least a year.
• U.S. Leads Opposition:
  President Trump called the agreement a "green new scam tax" and cited concerns about raised costs. Major oil-producing nations, including the U.S., Russia, and Saudi Arabia, coordinated to postpone the decision.
  • Quote (reporting Trump's position):

    “President Trump called the effort to cut emissions a, quote, green new scam tax that would raise costs.” [02:41]

• Political Reaction:
  Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the U.S.-led vote to delay the deal as “a huge win for the president.”

4. Politics: NY GOP Disbands Young Republicans

[03:11–04:11]

• Action Taken:
  New York GOP unanimously voted to disband the state’s Young Republicans chapter after racist and anti-Semitic messages surfaced in a leaked group chat.
• Leadership Response:
  NYGOP Chair Ed Cox condemned the “vile language,” insisting it has no place in the party.
• Contrast with National Response:
  • Quote (Vice President J.D. Vance):

    “Edgy jokes” — Vance downplayed the language, contrasting the harsher state-level response. [03:54]

• Fallout:
  Former New York State Young Republicans chair Peter Junta, who led the chat, apologized and lost his job.

5. Middle East: Possible Rafah Crossing Opening

[04:11–04:37]

• Egypt Mulling Opening Gaza Border:
  Egypt signaled it could open the Rafah crossing into Gaza as early as Sunday, though it's unclear if this move will benefit both humanitarian aid and the movement of people.
• Significance:
  The crossing is crucial for Palestinians seeking medical treatment, international travel, or reuniting with family in Egypt.

6. Sports Highlights: MLB Playoffs

[04:37–04:56]

• American League:
  Eugenio Suarez hit a go-ahead grand slam as the Seattle Mariners defeated Toronto, taking a 3-2 lead in the ALCS.
• National League:
  Shohei Ohtani hit three home runs and pitched into the seventh inning as the Dodgers clinched the NLCS with a 5-1 win over the Brewers.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Negotiating Peace (Trump):

  “The war in the Middle east was far more complicated. We got that one done and I think we have a good chance.” [00:48]

• Rescue in Alaska (Petty Officer Teddy Kirsch):

  “I will never forget the feeling of holding that baby... That was something I will never forget.” [01:52]

• Emission Deal Critique (Trump):

  “A green new scam tax that would raise costs.” [02:41]

• NY GOP’s Strong Response (Ed Cox):

  “Has no place in our party or its subsidiary organizations.” [03:34]

• Contrast at National Level (VP J.D. Vance):

  Downplayed racist messages as “edgy jokes.” [03:54]

Timestamps for Significant Segments

• [00:17] — International diplomacy: Trump’s call with Zelenskyy
• [01:23] — Alaska flooding and rescue operation
• [02:14] — Shipping emissions policy setback
• [03:11] — NY GOP disbands Young Republicans chapter
• [04:11] — Potential Rafah crossing opening
• [04:37] — MLB playoff recaps

Summary:
This NPR News Now episode covers major global and domestic developments, from emerging diplomatic moves to end the Ukraine war, grave climate policy setbacks, and a record-setting rescue in Alaska, to U.S. political controversy, humanitarian concerns at the Egypt-Gaza border, and baseball playoff drama. The reporting is brisk but impactful, elevating key voices and moments.